The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a favorite for people who need a strong SUV that can handle both daily driving and serious towing. But with so many trims, engines, and options, choosing the best Grand Cherokee for towing can be confusing. If you want to pull a boat, trailer, or camper, it’s important to pick the right model. Let’s look at what makes one Grand Cherokee better for towing than another, and which versions stand out for this job.
What Affects Towing In A Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Not every Grand Cherokee has the same towing ability. A few main things make a difference:
- Engine power: Bigger, stronger engines pull more weight.
- Axle ratio: Lower ratios (like 3.45 or 3.09) help with heavy loads.
- Towing package: Special equipment like heavy-duty cooling, hitch, and wiring boost capacity.
- Drive system: Four-wheel drive (4WD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) can affect how much you can tow.
Knowing these basics helps you match a Grand Cherokee to your towing needs.
Engine Options And Towing Capacities
Different engines mean different towing limits. Here’s how the main choices compare for current and recent Grand Cherokees.
| Engine | Horsepower | Max Towing Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L V6 | 293 hp | 6,200 lbs | Standard engine, good for most trailers |
| 5.7L V8 | 357 hp | 7,200 lbs | Optional, best for heavy loads |
| 2.0L Turbo PHEV | 375 hp | 6,000 lbs | Grand Cherokee 4xe only, hybrid |
| 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 707 hp | 7,200 lbs | Trackhawk, high price and performance |
Insight: Many people don’t realize that the V8 and supercharged V8 have the same towing rating, even though the Trackhawk engine is much more powerful. The extra power is mostly for speed, not towing.
Best Trims For Towing
Not all trims offer the top engines or towing equipment. Here’s how some popular trims stack up for towing.
| Trim | Engine Options | Max Towing | Tow Package? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laredo | V6 | 6,200 lbs | Optional |
| Limited | V6, V8 | 7,200 lbs* | Optional |
| Overland | V6, V8, 4xe | 7,200 lbs* | Optional |
| Summit | V6, V8, 4xe | 7,200 lbs* | Optional |
| Trailhawk | V6, 4xe | 6,200 lbs | Optional |
*Only with the V8 engine and proper tow package.
Tip: Many buyers miss that you need the factory tow package to get the maximum rating. Without it, your towing limit can drop by 1,000 lbs or more.
The Top Grand Cherokee For Towing
If you want the best Jeep Grand Cherokee for towing, focus on these versions:
- Grand Cherokee Limited or Overland with 5.7L V8 and Trailer Tow Group IV: This setup gives you the full 7,200 lbs rating, heavy-duty cooling, hitch, and wiring. It handles most campers, horse trailers, or boats.
- Grand Cherokee 4xe (PHEV) for eco-minded towing: The plug-in hybrid tows up to 6,000 lbs, which is enough for many small to medium trailers. It’s a good option if you want fuel savings and some electric driving.
- Trackhawk for speed lovers: The supercharged V8 also tows 7,200 lbs but costs much more. It’s fun but not practical for most people who just want to tow.
Common mistake: Some buyers think all Grand Cherokees can tow 7,200 lbs, but only the V8 models with the tow package reach this number.
What Else To Consider For Towing
Picking the right Grand Cherokee is just the start. Here are a few more important things:
- Tongue weight: This is the weight pressing down on your hitch. The Grand Cherokee’s limit is about 720 lbs (10% of towing capacity).
- Payload: Don’t forget, the people and gear inside count toward your limit.
- Brakes and stability: For loads over 3,000 lbs, trailer brakes are required. The Trailer Tow Group adds sway control for safety.
- Hitch type: Weight-distributing hitches help with bigger trailers.
Practical advice: Never max out your towing rating. Stay at least 10% under for safety and less stress on your SUV.
Real-world Examples
- Boat towing: A 21-foot boat and trailer usually weigh around 4,500 lbs. Even the V6 Grand Cherokee can handle this, but the V8 gives more power on hills.
- Camper towing: Large travel trailers (6,000-7,000 lbs) are best with the V8. The 4xe can tow smaller campers with ease.
- Utility trailers: Hauling building materials or ATVs under 6,000 lbs works for any engine, but check payload and tongue weight.
Fuel Economy And Towing
Towing cuts fuel economy a lot. The V8 Grand Cherokee gets about 14-15 mpg when towing a heavy load. The V6 does a bit better, around 16-17 mpg. The 4xe can’t use electric mode while towing, but still gets close to V6 numbers.
Insight: Many people expect the hybrid to save fuel while towing, but it mostly uses gas under load.
How Does The Grand Cherokee Compare To Rivals?
The Grand Cherokee competes with the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, and Chevy Blazer. Most rivals tow less, with the Explorer maxing at 5,600 lbs and the 4Runner at 5,000 lbs. Only the Dodge Durango (same company) matches or beats the Jeep.
For more detailed specs, check the official Jeep Grand Cherokee towing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Engine Is Best For Towing In The Grand Cherokee?
The 5.7L V8 is the top choice for towing. It provides the full 7,200 lbs rating and enough torque for big loads. The V6 is strong for lighter trailers.
Do All Grand Cherokees Have The Same Towing Capacity?
No. Towing capacity changes by engine, trim, and equipment. Only V8 models with the tow package reach the highest numbers.
Can The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Hybrid Tow Well?
Yes, the Grand Cherokee 4xe tows up to 6,000 lbs, which is enough for many trailers. You lose some electric driving range when towing.
Is The Tow Package Really Necessary?
Absolutely. The tow package adds cooling, wiring, hitch, and safety features. Without it, you can’t tow the max weight safely.
How Do I Know If My Grand Cherokee Has The Tow Package?
Look for a factory-installed hitch receiver, 4- and 7-pin wiring plugs, and a “Trailer Tow Group” option on your window sticker or build sheet.
Choosing the right Jeep Grand Cherokee for towing means looking beyond the badge. Pick the V8 with the tow package for the most power, or the 4xe for efficient towing. Always check your trailer weight, drive safely, and enjoy the confidence that comes with the right setup.
